Accomplished Applied Learning & Development Specialist with demonstrated success at Great Lakes Behavioral Research, specializing in training program design and delivery.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Applied Learning & Development Specialist
Great Lakes Behavioral Research/DCM
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
06.2025 - Current
Developed and delivered learning programs that enhanced employee professional development.
Facilitated workshops that strengthened team collaboration and communication skills.
Evaluated training effectiveness through participant feedback and assessments.
Collaborated with subject matter experts to design instructional materials.
Managed Learning Management System, overseeing user profiles, course catalogs, and reporting functions.
Conducted post-training evaluations to measure instructional techniques and program effectiveness.
Organized virtual workshops and webinars to enhance staff knowledge on relevant topics.
Provided individual coaching support focusing on identified improvement areas.
Literacy Resource Volunteer
Peace Corps
Saint Lucia, WI
06.2023 - 01.2024
Facilitated community development projects by collaborating with stakeholders to address local needs.
Established partnerships with local leaders to identify community needs and available resources.
Contributed time and skills to achieve project goals through effective teamwork.
Cultivated relationships with organizations to secure support for community initiatives.
Promoted community resources utilizing targeted marketing materials.
Connected residents with local resources, improving access to essential services. to connect residents with relevant community resources.
Maintained accurate records and documented essential data for project tracking.
Assisted staff with daily operational tasks, event preparation, setup, and breakdown.
Special Education Teacher
Mater Academy East
Las Vegas, Nevada
07.2022 - 05.2023
Developed tailored education plans aligned with student needs and learning styles.
Conducted assessments to evaluate student performance and inform tailored teaching strategies.
Modified curriculum to address specific learning requirements effectively.
Adapted instructional materials for diverse learning abilities and requirements.
Coordinated with educators to develop comprehensive instructional plans addressing diverse learner needs.
Collaborated with parents and staff to improve student educational outcomes through targeted support.
Collaborated with parents and staff to support student educational goals and progress.
Integrated technology, including Smart Board, into dynamic lesson plans.
Maintained precise records of progress towards individualized goals.
Certified Substitute Teacher K-5
Clark County School District
Las Vegas, NV
05.2021 - 05.2022
Obtained certification to serve as a substitute teacher in various educational settings. Substitute Certification through Nevada Department of Education.
Executed comprehensive instruction across all subjects for K-5 students, fostering an inclusive learning environment during extended teaching roles.
Implemented engaging lesson plans for 2nd grade ELA to enhance learning during Extended School Year.
Delivered tailored instruction in various subjects to meet diverse learning needs of student groups.
Provided targeted support as Title I Language and Literacy Early Intervention Specialist.
Completed a summer teaching practicum with a focus on practical classroom application.
Developed technical lesson plans as a school librarian to support literacy and research skills.
Director of Public Safety
City of Washington
Washington, PA
01.2016 - 01.2020
Oversaw Fire Department and City Code Enforcement operations as City Councilmember, ensuring compliance with regulations and efficient service delivery.
Led minority hiring initiative and reformed Civil Service exam processes to promote diversity and inclusivity in recruitment.
Negotiated IAFF Bargaining Agreement, enhancing labor relations and workforce morale.
Acquired a comprehensive understanding of local government operations as an elected public official, informing policy decisions and community engagement.
Health Coach Coordinator
AmeriCorps PACC VISTA W&J College
Washington, PA
07.2017 - 07.2018
Enhanced and expanded Volunteer Community Health Coach Program by assessing structure and delivering actionable recommendations to advisory council and director of community engagement, improving program effectiveness.
Developed and maintained partnership with Jefferson Hospital to facilitate community health initiatives.
Established project sustainability through strategic planning and resource allocation, ensuring long-term viability of community health initiatives.
Recruited, supervised, and managed student volunteers, fostering engagement and commitment to program goals.
Family Resource Specialist/Parent Educator
Justice Works Youth Care
Washington, PA
06.2016 - 06.2017
Managed caseload through weekly home visits and court appearances, providing critical support to families in crisis.
Assessed individual family needs to deliver customized resource solutions, improving access to essential services.
Implemented strategies to address family issues, facilitating goal attainment for parents.
Collaborated with local agencies to expand service offerings for families, increasing support network availability.
County Caseworker I
Allegheny County Department of Human Services
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2015 - 04.2016
Conducted comprehensive client assessments to evaluate needs and determine service eligibility.
Developed individualized case plans addressing specific client challenges and goals.
Managed caseload for DHS/CYF, ensuring timely delivery of services meeting client needs.
Facilitated communication between parents, children, service providers, and legal representatives to ensure coordinated support.
Coordinated referrals to community resources and support services, improving access to essential client support.
Connected clients with local resources to enhance support services. and support agencies to optimize service delivery.
Medical Claims Representative
Ohio State University Medical Center
Columbus, OH
03.2006 - 09.2006
Ensured compliance and accuracy in billing practices by applying knowledge of managed care and commercial regulations, mitigating potential discrepancies.
Resolved claims issues through clear communication with insurance company representatives, facilitating prompt resolution.
Managed accounts to secure timely collections and conducted effective follow-up communications, enhancing customer relations.
Utilized various medical center operating systems to enhance medical billing processes.
Government Billing Representative
Ohio State University Medical Center
Columbus, OH
03.2006 - 09.2006
Prepared VA bills and Millennium-Bill letters to ensure timely processing of claims.
Coordinated patient payment plans to expedite billing resolution.
Facilitated travel and conducted one-on-one meetings with VA representatives to resolve billing inquiries.
Collaborated with International Medicine on project addressing sensitive needs of international patients.
Financial Counselor
Ohio State University Medical Center
Columbus, OH
03.2006 - 09.2006
Interviewed underinsured patients to assess financial needs and determine eligibility for assistance.
Streamlined application processes for charity assistance, Medicaid, and Medicare to improve patient access.
Educated patients regarding financial options and resources for medical services.
Developed tailored payment plans to meet individual financial situations.
Coordinated communication among social workers, patient care representatives, and families to provide comprehensive support.
Assisted with insurance verification and claims processing inquiries to expedite resolutions.
Private
US Army
01.1996 - 01.2003
Served as a private. Developed leadership and time management skills before receiving an honorable discharge in 2003.
Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
Education
Professional Life Coach Designation -
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
Pittsburgh, PA
03.2014
Masters of Science - Organizational Leadership
ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY
Moon Township, PA
05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PA
California, PA
05.2009
Skills
Instructional design
Training program development
Curriculum development
Learning management systems
Needs assessment
Workshop facilitation
Employee development
Public Speaking Experience
09/18, Talk Magazine Minority Achievers Award Ceremony-Presenter
03/17, Washington & Jefferson College Women’s History Month Guest Speaker
05/17, CORO of Pittsburgh Center for Civic Leadership Women in Politics- Guest Panelist
02/17, Chatham University Women’s Institute Campaign Training Event Pennsylvania Center for Women in Politics, Ready to Run Guest Speaker & Panelist
09/15, Robert Morris University Women in Leadership & Mentorship Program Orientation Speaker & Panelist
04/15, Robert Morris University Making Connections IV Guest Participant & Student Interviewer
02/14, Coro of Pittsburgh Center for Civic Leadership- Women in Leadership Class XVII – Professional Life Coach Participant & Guest Speaker
Awards
02/18, Black History Maker Award, Talk Magazine Talk Minority Action Group
10/14, Dignity & Respect Campaign Champion Award
02/11, African American Student Scholastic Award, Robert Morris University
04/11, Ambassador of Equality Recognition Award, Robert Morris University
04/09, Outstanding Woman of the Year Award, California University of Pennsylvania
03/09, Presidential Scholar Recognition Award, California University of Pennsylvania
02/09, International Honor Society in Social Sciences – Pi Gamma Mu, California University of Pennsylvania
12/08, The National Society of Leadership and Success – Sigma Alpha Pi, California University of Pennsylvania
06/06, National Scholars Honor Society, Ohio State University
Board Membership
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor’s Office, Member of the International Uniformed Construction Code Review and Advisory Council, 09/17-2018
Robert Morris University Black Alumni Council, Founding Executive board member & Development Chair, Inception 2016-2018
Mental Health Association of Washington County, 12/16-2018
Washington County Housing Authority Grievance Committee, 10/09-2014
Certification
Local Government Academy Training (NEOC) Newly Elected Officials Course, March, 2016
Learning and Organizational Development Specialist at Vermont Federal Credit UnionLearning and Organizational Development Specialist at Vermont Federal Credit Union